Soft light slipped through the hotel curtains. Caroline blinked, slow, lazy. Her body felt warm, heavy in a way that made her aware of every breath. Her muscles ached in places that reminded her she had chosen last night, fully awake, fully present.
Thorne was awake.
He lay on his back, gaze fixed on the ceiling. He hadn't moved away, but he hadn't closed the distance either. The space between them felt deliberate, like he was giving her control even now.
Caroline turned her head, and he met her eyes immediately.
"Hey," he said, voice low.
Caroline swallowed. "How long have you been awake?"
"A while."
"You didn't leave," she pointed out the obvious.
"I didn't think you wanted me to," he said simply.
“You thought right." She smiled at him, leaning forward and kissing him on the lip
